DIWA pushes for passage of 100-day Maternity Leave Bill

DIWA pushes for passage of 100-day Maternity Leave bill
A staunch defender of women’s rights and family welfare, DIWA party-list Rep. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar fights for the passage of House Bill No. 4113 or the 100-day Maternity Leave bill. The said bill was endorsed by the Committee on Women and Gender Equality, which Rep. Aglipay-Villar heads.
The consolidated bill allows female workers from government, private, or informal sector who recently gave birth, whether natural or caesarian, more days of leave with pay from the current 60-78 days. This is to ensure that they are given ample time to be with their newborn child or children.
“Mothers have to go back to work after two months of giving birth and this makes it difficult for them to continue to breastfeed their babies. This forces them to feed their babies using infant formula, which is not best for their babies’ health.” Rep. Aglipay-Villar said.
The said bill aims to provide post-natal care for the mother and to ensure the wellness of her newborn.
Also, the bill protects the security of tenure of pregnant workers who are about to give birth. It prohibits the demotion and termination of employment to those who avail the additional 30-day maternity leave.
Women who will experience miscarriage or abortion after termination are likewise granted protection under the bill. On the other hand, those who give birth to illegitimate children will still be afforded such protection.